Planning to Burn

Calling the non-emergency dispatch number, 417-847-4911 before a controlled burn is crucial for safety and to prevent an unnecessary emergency response. Never use 911 to report a planned burn. Calling 911 is reserved for immediate threats to life or property.
Before you burn, Follow these steps to ensure you are burning safely and legally: 
  • Check local regulations: Contact your local fire department or municipal government to determine if burn permits are required and if there are any current burn bans or restrictions in effect. Some regions prohibit open burning entirely.
  • Notify authorities: Call the non-emergency dispatch number to inform them of your planned burn. Provide your name, address, the date, and the approximate start and end times of the burn. This prevents them from dispatching emergency services based on smoke reports from concerned neighbors.
  • Choose the right day: Burn on a calm day with minimal wind (ideally under 10 mph) and when conditions are not excessively dry.
  • Prepare the burn area:
    • Create a firebreak by clearing all flammable materials at least 10 feet around the burn site.
    • Have fire extinguishing materials on hand, including a water supply (such as a hose or buckets), shovels, and rakes.
  • Consider alternatives to burning: Before you burn, consider if safer disposal methods are available. Many municipalities offer yard waste collection or drop-off sites, or you can compost materials to create nutrient-rich soil. 
During the burn:
  • Stay and supervise: Never leave the fire unattended. Keep a constant watch on the burn until it is completely extinguished.
  • Keep it contained: Only burn small sections at a time to maintain control and keep the pile a manageable size (no more than 4 feet high and wide).
  • Use proper materials: Only burn clean, dry wood or brush. Never use gasoline or other accelerants, and never burn trash, treated wood, leaves, or yard clippings.
  • Be ready to extinguish: If the wind picks up or the fire begins to get out of control, be prepared to put it out immediately. 
After the burn:
  • Fully extinguish: Douse the embers with water and stir the ashes to ensure all heat is gone.
  • Report completion: Inform the non-emergency dispatch line that your burn is finished. This helps emergency services close out their log.
  • Monitor the site: Check the area periodically for several hours to ensure no smoldering embers rekindle.
  • Call 911 if necessary: If a fire ever gets out of control and you cannot handle it yourself, call 911 immediately.